Maiden Ocean Racing Qatar (MORQ) announced today that one of France’s top sailors, Olivier de Kersauson has pledged his full support and participation in Qatar’s two new global race events – The Oryx Cup in 2005 and Quest 2006.

The skipper of ‘Geronimo’ commented, “We have confirmed our full support and commitment to Tracy Edwards and we are looking forward to participating in her events and offering any support she needs in the build up to the start of The Oryx Cup.”

Following the launch of the two events in October 2003, Edwards’ is keen to support each of the team owners to secure additional funding and her sponsorship consultants at Sports Impact are currently in discussions with another Middle Eastern country to secure additional sponsorship for the teams.

Tracy Edwards, Managing Director of MORQ commented, “We have received a lot of support from the multihull and monohull team owners and I am especially delighted that my dear friend Olivier de Kersauson has pledged his full support and participation in our events.”

Edwards added, “We will be announcing full details of entries later in the year once all entries have been confirmed.”

Mark Turner, Managing Director of Offshore Challenges commented, “Since the Ellen MacArthur Kingfisher Jules Verne campaign, Offshore Challenges Sailing Team has been very motivated to be racing again in the big-catamaran, albeit with a new name and a new skipper. The Oryx Cup is an excellent opportunity and we are currently in discussions with a number of partners regarding the funding of an entry in the event.”